#Opinion: From Brain Drain to Brain Circulation: Rethinking #Ethiopian scholars’ role in global knowledge exchange
For generations, young Africans pursuing education abroad have often been viewed through the lens of permanent “brain drain.” However, Li’ilina Moges Jemaneh argues that modern development requires a shift toward “brain circulation,” where overseas scholars are recognised as strategic national assets rather than lost resources.
She notes that “National loyalty and world citizenship are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary pillars of modern civic leadership.” While global mobility remains a privilege, studying abroad offers Ethiopian youth opportunities to acquire advanced expertise, build research networks, and create platforms for advocacy.
The author emphasises that “As Ethiopian youth step onto foreign campuses, they do not leave Ethiopia behind; they carry Ethiopia's future with them to the world.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58963
For generations, young Africans pursuing education abroad have often been viewed through the lens of permanent “brain drain.” However, Li’ilina Moges Jemaneh argues that modern development requires a shift toward “brain circulation,” where overseas scholars are recognised as strategic national assets rather than lost resources.
She notes that “National loyalty and world citizenship are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary pillars of modern civic leadership.” While global mobility remains a privilege, studying abroad offers Ethiopian youth opportunities to acquire advanced expertise, build research networks, and create platforms for advocacy.
The author emphasises that “As Ethiopian youth step onto foreign campuses, they do not leave Ethiopia behind; they carry Ethiopia's future with them to the world.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58963
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News: Drone strikes in two locations in #Mekelle, 13 casualties received at #Ayder_Hospital
Two drone strikes were reported in Mekelle, the capital of #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region, on Thursday, August 20, with Ayder Specialized Hospital saying it received 13 casualties from one of the strikes.
The first strike occurred in #Hawelti Sub-City, Momona Kebele, around the St. Mary Church, where residential homes were reportedly targeted. The Tigray Bureau of Communication Affairs initially said two adults and two children were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. However, Ayder Hospital later said its Emergency Department received 13 casualties from a drone strike in Mekelle’s #Daero residential area. The victims, including both adults and children, arrived at the hospital at around 11:30 a.m. for medical and surgical care.
A second drone strike occurred in the #Kuha area of Mekelle, residents confirmed to #Addis_Standard. No casualties were reported from that incident.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58972
Two drone strikes were reported in Mekelle, the capital of #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region, on Thursday, August 20, with Ayder Specialized Hospital saying it received 13 casualties from one of the strikes.
The first strike occurred in #Hawelti Sub-City, Momona Kebele, around the St. Mary Church, where residential homes were reportedly targeted. The Tigray Bureau of Communication Affairs initially said two adults and two children were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. However, Ayder Hospital later said its Emergency Department received 13 casualties from a drone strike in Mekelle’s #Daero residential area. The victims, including both adults and children, arrived at the hospital at around 11:30 a.m. for medical and surgical care.
A second drone strike occurred in the #Kuha area of Mekelle, residents confirmed to #Addis_Standard. No casualties were reported from that incident.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58972
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#Netanyahu’s escalation of tensions with #Türkiye ‘reckless and stupid’: Ex-Israeli premier
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "deliberate" escalation of tensions with Türkiye is "reckless and stupid," former #Israeli Prime Minister #Ehud_Barak said Wednesday.
"It is hard to decide which one it is more,” Barak wrote on the #US social media platform X.
"It strongly reeks of a political motive to go into elections with a string of security tensions that would fuel public anxiety," he added.
Noting that Türkiye is "neither Iran nor Assad's Syria," Barak said no problem or issue is beyond resolution with #Ankara.
“There is no strategic problem with Türkiye that cannot be resolved, mitigated, or postponed over the long term through discreet contacts coordinated with the United States and its influence in Turkey and Syria. Netanyahu has completely gone off the rails.”
He added.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid06L1jrKszHXQrpA8vzUUsUnjpCsmktW9GaCVTxvuRMqnEvpMAijnnxyBWJPuxh2MTl
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "deliberate" escalation of tensions with Türkiye is "reckless and stupid," former #Israeli Prime Minister #Ehud_Barak said Wednesday.
"It is hard to decide which one it is more,” Barak wrote on the #US social media platform X.
"It strongly reeks of a political motive to go into elections with a string of security tensions that would fuel public anxiety," he added.
Noting that Türkiye is "neither Iran nor Assad's Syria," Barak said no problem or issue is beyond resolution with #Ankara.
“There is no strategic problem with Türkiye that cannot be resolved, mitigated, or postponed over the long term through discreet contacts coordinated with the United States and its influence in Turkey and Syria. Netanyahu has completely gone off the rails.”
He added.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid06L1jrKszHXQrpA8vzUUsUnjpCsmktW9GaCVTxvuRMqnEvpMAijnnxyBWJPuxh2MTl
#Ethiopia sells $500 million in latest bid to support currency
Ethiopia sold $500 million to local banks on Thursday, stepping up efforts to ease dollar shortages and stem the slide in its currency.
Thursday’s sale brings Ethiopia’s total spending on birr defense this year to $2.7 billion, among the highest in Africa. Even so, the birr has weakened 3.7% since early January, as Ethiopia’s economy comes under increasing strain from high oil prices. Over the past year, the currency has lost 12%, the worst performer among the 23 currencies from Africa tracked by Bloomberg.
There may be tentative signs, however, that hard-currency demand is easing slightly. Banks bid for dollars at 159.50 to 160.25 birr on Thursday, stronger than the weakest bid of 163 at last week’s auction.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-20/ethiopia-sells-500-million-in-latest-bid-to-support-currency
Ethiopia sold $500 million to local banks on Thursday, stepping up efforts to ease dollar shortages and stem the slide in its currency.
Thursday’s sale brings Ethiopia’s total spending on birr defense this year to $2.7 billion, among the highest in Africa. Even so, the birr has weakened 3.7% since early January, as Ethiopia’s economy comes under increasing strain from high oil prices. Over the past year, the currency has lost 12%, the worst performer among the 23 currencies from Africa tracked by Bloomberg.
There may be tentative signs, however, that hard-currency demand is easing slightly. Banks bid for dollars at 159.50 to 160.25 birr on Thursday, stronger than the weakest bid of 163 at last week’s auction.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-20/ethiopia-sells-500-million-in-latest-bid-to-support-currency
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News: #Ethiopia ranks third in #Africa with 180,000km road network, Global Firepower says
Ethiopia ranks third in Africa and 30th globally by total roadway coverage, with an estimated 180,000 kilometres of roads, according to 2026 data from #US-based defence data platform Global Firepower.
Ethiopia trails only #South_Africa, which has Africa’s largest road network at about 750,000 kilometres, and #Nigeria, which ranks second with 195,000 kilometres. #Kenya ranks fourth on the continent with 161,452 kilometres and 32nd globally.
The ranking gives Ethiopia a lead of about 18,548 kilometres over Kenya. The country also has substantially greater roadway coverage than several of its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.
#Sudan ranks 100th globally with about 31,000 kilometres of roads, while #Eritrea ranks 118th with approximately 16,000 kilometres. #Somalia is placed 121st globally, with an estimated 15,000 kilometres of roadway......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2090675389148344698?s=20
Ethiopia ranks third in Africa and 30th globally by total roadway coverage, with an estimated 180,000 kilometres of roads, according to 2026 data from #US-based defence data platform Global Firepower.
Ethiopia trails only #South_Africa, which has Africa’s largest road network at about 750,000 kilometres, and #Nigeria, which ranks second with 195,000 kilometres. #Kenya ranks fourth on the continent with 161,452 kilometres and 32nd globally.
The ranking gives Ethiopia a lead of about 18,548 kilometres over Kenya. The country also has substantially greater roadway coverage than several of its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.
#Sudan ranks 100th globally with about 31,000 kilometres of roads, while #Eritrea ranks 118th with approximately 16,000 kilometres. #Somalia is placed 121st globally, with an estimated 15,000 kilometres of roadway......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2090675389148344698?s=20
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#US says it will impose 'toughest sanctions in history' on #Iran
U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the #United_States will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, a move he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations.
Bessent's comments on Thursday followed President #Donald_Trump's threat a day earlier of "Economic Warfare" and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran." Bessent promised details next week.
Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those U.S. threats of financial penalties aimed at forcing an end to a nearly six-month-old war that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil.
"I'm not sure why oil has popped up on this," Bessent told CNBC. "If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-......
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-it-will-impose-toughest-sanctions-history-iran-2026-08-20/
U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the #United_States will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, a move he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations.
Bessent's comments on Thursday followed President #Donald_Trump's threat a day earlier of "Economic Warfare" and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran." Bessent promised details next week.
Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those U.S. threats of financial penalties aimed at forcing an end to a nearly six-month-old war that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil.
"I'm not sure why oil has popped up on this," Bessent told CNBC. "If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-......
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-it-will-impose-toughest-sanctions-history-iran-2026-08-20/
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Pirates hijack cargo ship carrying #Turkish weapons off #Somalia's coast, official says
#Pirates hijacked a #Cameroon-flagged cargo ship off Somalia’s #Puntland coast earlier this week and took the vessel, which was carrying Turkish weapons, toward the region’s #Nugaal coast, a Somali official said Thursday.
The M/V LUTUF was seized on Monday about 3½ nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district, the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about sensitive information.
The ship, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying weapons bound for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu, as well as communications and satellite equipment, the official said.
The 10-member crew included six #Indians, one Turkish national, one #Georgian and two #Serbian security guards, he said. There was no immediate......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LY7XvtkRbwwy9CGzSwWKus9LaasCAj8qaGn6ipzi896razKDDC9PQP1AFMeMswvRl
#Pirates hijacked a #Cameroon-flagged cargo ship off Somalia’s #Puntland coast earlier this week and took the vessel, which was carrying Turkish weapons, toward the region’s #Nugaal coast, a Somali official said Thursday.
The M/V LUTUF was seized on Monday about 3½ nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district, the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about sensitive information.
The ship, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying weapons bound for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu, as well as communications and satellite equipment, the official said.
The 10-member crew included six #Indians, one Turkish national, one #Georgian and two #Serbian security guards, he said. There was no immediate......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LY7XvtkRbwwy9CGzSwWKus9LaasCAj8qaGn6ipzi896razKDDC9PQP1AFMeMswvRl
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News: #Ethiopia says it needs no permission to develop #Nile resources, rejects joint management of GERD
Ethiopia does not need permission from any country to develop its water resources, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said, while rejecting calls for joint management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD).
Al Jazeera reported that Ethiopia is seeking to revive 3 proposed #Blue_Nile hydropower projects — Karadobi, Mandaya and Beko Abo —that have been discussed for years. Their combined generating potential has been reported at about 5,700MW, although the specifications and capacity could change because the projects remain at the planning stage.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58985
Ethiopia does not need permission from any country to develop its water resources, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said, while rejecting calls for joint management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD).
Al Jazeera reported that Ethiopia is seeking to revive 3 proposed #Blue_Nile hydropower projects — Karadobi, Mandaya and Beko Abo —that have been discussed for years. Their combined generating potential has been reported at about 5,700MW, although the specifications and capacity could change because the projects remain at the planning stage.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58985
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News: #RSF defections mount as hundreds of fighters join #Sudanese army in Northern State
Hundreds of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters, including commanders, have defected and joined Sudan’s Armed Forces (#SAF) in Northern State in a series of reported defections over the past week, in what local media say could mark a growing challenge to the paramilitary group’s cohesion.
On 13 August, authorities in Al-Dabbah locality said 21 RSF commanders and about 270 fighters from Groups 55 and 47 had surrendered, bringing 37 combat vehicles with them. Border Guards commander Col. Mohammed Saleh Younis welcomed the group and urged other RSF members to lay down their arms and join the army.
A further 318 RSF personnel, including four commanders, arrived in Al-Dabbah around 19 August with up to 50 combat vehicles, according to Sudanese authorities. The reported leader, Lt. Col. Musa Ali......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02B7BsNi8vtsFfBZmoNeYGxRyXmUQ3Q2bSS9eAaWspFKnsbdooVmbkvkFRMqxanQVGl
Hundreds of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters, including commanders, have defected and joined Sudan’s Armed Forces (#SAF) in Northern State in a series of reported defections over the past week, in what local media say could mark a growing challenge to the paramilitary group’s cohesion.
On 13 August, authorities in Al-Dabbah locality said 21 RSF commanders and about 270 fighters from Groups 55 and 47 had surrendered, bringing 37 combat vehicles with them. Border Guards commander Col. Mohammed Saleh Younis welcomed the group and urged other RSF members to lay down their arms and join the army.
A further 318 RSF personnel, including four commanders, arrived in Al-Dabbah around 19 August with up to 50 combat vehicles, according to Sudanese authorities. The reported leader, Lt. Col. Musa Ali......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02B7BsNi8vtsFfBZmoNeYGxRyXmUQ3Q2bSS9eAaWspFKnsbdooVmbkvkFRMqxanQVGl
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#Commentary: The #Makkah_Pact and #Ethiopia’s Red Sea Choices: Navigating shifting security order through corridor pluralism, strategic autonomy
The recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between #Saudi_Arabia, #Türkiye and #Pakistan represents a significant security development with potential implications for #Red_Sea and Horn of #Africa dynamics, writes Nassir Hussein Kahin.
While the pact does not target Ethiopia or establish automatic military intervention commitments, he emphasises the importance of #Addis_Abeba safeguarding its strategic autonomy.
The author argues that “Ethiopia cannot afford imported binary choices.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58982
The recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between #Saudi_Arabia, #Türkiye and #Pakistan represents a significant security development with potential implications for #Red_Sea and Horn of #Africa dynamics, writes Nassir Hussein Kahin.
While the pact does not target Ethiopia or establish automatic military intervention commitments, he emphasises the importance of #Addis_Abeba safeguarding its strategic autonomy.
The author argues that “Ethiopia cannot afford imported binary choices.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58982
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#Ethiopia says it needs no permission to develop #Nile resources, rejects joint management of GERD
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News: #Ethiopia secures over $340m in export deals at ‘Export to #China’ forum
Ethiopian exporters and Chinese importers have signed 33 business-to-business (#B2B) agreements valued at more than $340 million at the “Export to China” forum, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
The agreements were signed during the launch of the forum, organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, bringing together senior government officials from both countries, Chinese importers and Ethiopian exporters.
Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe (Phd) said the forum was intended to deepen Ethiopia-China trade and economic ties while promoting Ethiopian products in the Chinese market.
According to the Minister, promotional activities were undertaken to connect Chinese importers with Ethiopian producers of agricultural and........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid034bkrw4sf241h6vsWLhafsjEsYK3nNHmr2jgmWWzqEfQEwNteuHckUonVC5kN5MYrl
Ethiopian exporters and Chinese importers have signed 33 business-to-business (#B2B) agreements valued at more than $340 million at the “Export to China” forum, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
The agreements were signed during the launch of the forum, organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, bringing together senior government officials from both countries, Chinese importers and Ethiopian exporters.
Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe (Phd) said the forum was intended to deepen Ethiopia-China trade and economic ties while promoting Ethiopian products in the Chinese market.
According to the Minister, promotional activities were undertaken to connect Chinese importers with Ethiopian producers of agricultural and........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid034bkrw4sf241h6vsWLhafsjEsYK3nNHmr2jgmWWzqEfQEwNteuHckUonVC5kN5MYrl
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News: #Ethiopia, #US agree to elevate defense ties to strategic partnership
Ethiopia and the #United_States have agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security, with the two countries seeking to elevate their military and diplomatic relations to a new level, according to statements from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement was reached during a 19–20 August working visit to the United States by a high-level Ethiopian military delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense.
The delegation held bilateral consultations with senior US defense officials at the Pentagon, including Bryan J. Ellis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58992
Ethiopia and the #United_States have agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security, with the two countries seeking to elevate their military and diplomatic relations to a new level, according to statements from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement was reached during a 19–20 August working visit to the United States by a high-level Ethiopian military delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense.
The delegation held bilateral consultations with senior US defense officials at the Pentagon, including Bryan J. Ellis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58992
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#In_Depth_Analysis: In #Oromia’s Gida Ayana, old fault lines reopen as a multi-front conflict leaves civilians caught in the crossfire
Who is fighting whom in #Gida_Ayana, in #Oromia’s #East_Wollega zone? Renewed violence has drawn in Fano forces, federal troops, Oromia security structures and local militias.
Residents told #Addis_Standard that civilians from both #Oromo and #Amhara communities are caught in the crossfire, with reports of killings, burned homes and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Asres Mare, AFNM’s head of public relations, described Fano’s #Wollega forces as locally rooted and claimed cooperation with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)
The #OLA strongly rejected the account. In an exclusive interview with #Addis_Standard, a senior OLA official called it “ludicrous,” insisting there is “no Fano in Wollega” and asserting the group is government-backed.
Read the full in-depth https://addisstandard.com/?p=58989
Who is fighting whom in #Gida_Ayana, in #Oromia’s #East_Wollega zone? Renewed violence has drawn in Fano forces, federal troops, Oromia security structures and local militias.
Residents told #Addis_Standard that civilians from both #Oromo and #Amhara communities are caught in the crossfire, with reports of killings, burned homes and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Asres Mare, AFNM’s head of public relations, described Fano’s #Wollega forces as locally rooted and claimed cooperation with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)
The #OLA strongly rejected the account. In an exclusive interview with #Addis_Standard, a senior OLA official called it “ludicrous,” insisting there is “no Fano in Wollega” and asserting the group is government-backed.
Read the full in-depth https://addisstandard.com/?p=58989
#US, #Iran keep up hostile rhetoric ahead of new sanctions
The United States and Iran exchanged defiant messages ahead of Monday's scheduled announcement of new U.S. economic sanctions that could impact the Islamic Republic and #Tehran's most important trading partners including #China.
As the war neared six months old, the two sides were not exchanging fire but also not pursuing peace talks. All the while, oil shipments through the Strait of #Hormuz have virtually halted as Tehran clings to its leverage by threatening to strike any unauthorized oil tankers that attempt to transit the narrow waterway.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran while also urging China to cooperate with #Washington. China buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Beijing urged......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2091034977995563100?s=20
The United States and Iran exchanged defiant messages ahead of Monday's scheduled announcement of new U.S. economic sanctions that could impact the Islamic Republic and #Tehran's most important trading partners including #China.
As the war neared six months old, the two sides were not exchanging fire but also not pursuing peace talks. All the while, oil shipments through the Strait of #Hormuz have virtually halted as Tehran clings to its leverage by threatening to strike any unauthorized oil tankers that attempt to transit the narrow waterway.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran while also urging China to cooperate with #Washington. China buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Beijing urged......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2091034977995563100?s=20
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News: #Ethiopia among #East_African countries seeking stake in #Dangote’s planned refinery
Ethiopia is among East African countries considering an equity stake in Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s planned multibillion-dollar refinery in #Kenya, according to Bloomberg. Dangote Group has offered regional countries a combined 30% stake, with Kenya expected to take 10% worth about $500 million.
The potential investment comes as Ethiopia expands its regional energy partnerships and its engagement with Dangote. The country is developing a $2.5 billion fertilizer complex with Dangote in Gode, while pursuing fuel storage and oil and gas corridor projects with #Djibouti. Follow up discussions involving Emirates National Oil Company (#ENOC) took place over expanding terminal capacity at Djibouti’s #Doraleh port to support fuel supplies to Ethiopia.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=59000
Ethiopia is among East African countries considering an equity stake in Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s planned multibillion-dollar refinery in #Kenya, according to Bloomberg. Dangote Group has offered regional countries a combined 30% stake, with Kenya expected to take 10% worth about $500 million.
The potential investment comes as Ethiopia expands its regional energy partnerships and its engagement with Dangote. The country is developing a $2.5 billion fertilizer complex with Dangote in Gode, while pursuing fuel storage and oil and gas corridor projects with #Djibouti. Follow up discussions involving Emirates National Oil Company (#ENOC) took place over expanding terminal capacity at Djibouti’s #Doraleh port to support fuel supplies to Ethiopia.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=59000
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